The best and worst of the 2018 VMAs, from the red carpet to the performances

The 2018 VMAs at Radio City Music Hall brought the hottest names in the music industry to New York City for an epic red carpet (complete with a Backstreet Boys performance atop the venue), a flood of notable main-stage performances (Nicki Minaj, Travis Scott) and more.

The NYC-themed award show was marked by a Cardi B opener, a surprise remote performance by Nicki Minaj and an appearance by presenter Madonna to honor the late Aretha Franklin — all while a neon Statue of Liberty moon person stood tall in the audience.

Here's a look at red carpet photos, winners, performances and more.

Camila Cabello

Photo Credit: Getty Images / Theo Wargo

Camila Cabello accepts the artist of the year award from Madonna during the MTV Video Music Awards.

Madonna

Photo Credit: Getty Images for MTV / Michael Loccisano

Madonna speaks at the 2018 MTV Video Music Awards.

Madonna

Photo Credit: Getty Images for MTV / Michael Loccisano

Madonna presents the award for video of the year at the 2018 MTV Video Music Awards.

Cardi B, Jennifer Lopez, DJ Khaled

Photo Credit: Getty Images for MTV / Michael Loccisano

Cardi B, Jennifer Lopez, and DJ Khaled accept the award for best collaboration onstage during the MTV Video Music Awards.

Ariana Grande

Photo Credit: Getty Images / Theo Wargo

Ariana Grande performs "God Is a Woman" during the MTV Video Music Awards.

Panic! at the Disco

Photo Credit: Getty Images / Theo Wargo

Brendon Urie performs with Panic! at the Disco during the MTV Video Music Awards.

Shawn Mendes

Photo Credit: Getty Images / Theo Wargo

Shawn Mendes performs onstage during the MTV Video Music Awards.

Jennifer Lopez

Photo Credit: Getty Images for MTV / Michael Loccisano

Jennifer Lopez performs in front of a 6 train set during the MTV Video Music Awards.

Backstreet Boys

Photo Credit: Getty Images / Theo Wargo

The Backstreet Boys present the award for song of the year during the MTV Video Music Awards.

Cardi B, Jennifer Lopez, DJ Khaled

Photo Credit: Getty Images for MTV / Michael Loccisano

Cardi B, left, Jennifer Lopez and DJ Khaled accept the award for Best Collaboration at the 2018 MTV Video Music Awards.

Jennifer Lopez

Photo Credit: Getty Images for MTV / Michael Loccisano

See photos of the 2018 MTV Video Music Awards winners, performances and more.

Aerosmith and Post Malone

Photo Credit: Getty Images / Theo Wargo

Aerosmith and Post Malone perform onstage during the 2018 MTV Video Music Awards.

Anna Kendrick and Blake Lively

Photo Credit: Getty Images for MTV / Michael Loccisano

Anna Kendrick and Blake Lively introduce the Radio City Rockettes during the 2018 MTV Video Music Awards.